The records of the Civil Service Commission consist of 2.5 cubic feet of payroll sheets and meeting minutes from 1913 through 1934. The majority of files represented are payroll records for the period between 1913 and 1922.

On June 16, 1913 the California State Legislature approved the State Civil Service Bill (Chapter 590 of Statutes 1913). This bill established the California State Civil Service Commission for the purpose of overseeing the administration of California's newly established civil service system. This State Commission was structured to consist of three members, appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. Any commissioner could be removed however by concurrent resolution of the State Senate and Assembly, adopted by a two-thirds majority in each house. In 1921 the Civil Service Commission was restructured, with one member being selected as executive member and existing president. Between 1921 and 1934, other amendments were made to the law relating to this commission. However, after 1921 provisions relating to appointment, removal, and duration of commission membership remained unchanged until 1934. In 1925, the two associate commission member's positions were eliminated allowing for only one commissioner. In 1927, all portions of the 1921 law relating to the Civil Service Commission were reenacted. Furthermore, the commission reestablished its three-member structure, with one executive member and two associate members. By 1929, the Civil Service Commission's authority and responsibilities were assigned to the Department of Finance. At the same time, a Division of Personnel and Organization was created and acquired the clerical and organization survey work previously done by the Civil Service Commission. On November 6, 1934, California voters approved an initiative measure that called for the establishment of a State Personnel Board to direct the State civil service system. Taking effect on December 20, 1934, this measure abolished the Division of Personnel and Organization and transferred all legal powers and duties of State officers and agencies relating to the civil service system to the newly formed State Personnel Board.

2.5 cubic feet of textual records and 2 reels of microfilm